\u201cThere\u2019s no doubt that vehicle owners are keeping their cars for longer which means that maintenance of vehicles is more crucial than ever,\u201d said Dewald Ranft, chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).<\/p>\n
The research revealed that 40 per cent of respondents say they now keep their cars for between five and 10 years, with just under 35 per cent saying they are keeping their vehicles for longer than 10 years.<\/p>
\u201cThese results point to the increased need for better maintenance of vehicles, and for proper insurance,\u201d reported the AA.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegular maintenance is key to extending the life of your car, and will help you pick up smaller repairs early enough to prevent more serious faults occurring further down the line,\u201d said Ranft.<\/p>\n
He advised motorists to keep a close eye on the car\u2019s manual and schedule maintenance accordingly.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven better, set a recurring reminder on your phone to alert you to get your vehicle checked annually.<\/p>\n
\u201cKeeping up with your car\u2019s recommended maintenance schedule can help avoid costly problems with your cooling system, drivetrain, suspension and other components,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Motorists should also ensure their car is serviced by a reputable workshop that only uses quality oil, fluids and parts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile it might sound like an attractive option to service your car for as cheaply as possible, the financial implications in the long run will outweigh the apparent short-term benefit.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s never wise to scrimp on your car\u2019s maintenance costs,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In addition to regular maintenance there are a number of other things motorists can do to extend a car\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
Motorists should regularly check the level of fluids in their vehicles, such as the antifreeze, oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also important to change the oil regularly as this will improve your mileage and protect your engine.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo find the recommended mileage between oil changes check your vehicle\u2019s service manual, and if still unsure consult with an accredited MIWA workshop.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important to change the oil filter as well, there is no sense in putting clean oil through a dirty filter,\u201d said Ranft.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Car service intervals are there for a reason<\/a><\/p>\n Get up close and personal with your car<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n He also advised motorists to monitor the thickness of their vehicle\u2019s brake pads to prevent the pads from wearing down to metal.<\/p>\n This will cause damage to the brake disks and possibly the callipers as well.<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth noting that disks and callipers are far more expensive to replace than pads.<\/p>\n Another tip to make the brakes last longer, is to use the handbrake where possible, he said.<\/p>\n \u201cEven if you are driving a car with an automatic transmission, use your handbrake regularly, especially if you\u2019re parked on an incline.<\/p>\n \u201cIt helps keep the brakes adjusted in the rear of the car and makes them last longer,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n But most of all, don\u2019t ignore small problems.<\/p>\n Pay close attention to a vehicle\u2019s noises and also to its warning lights and even cosmetic things, like a piece of rubber trim that\u2019s loose, he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIgnoring a problem only allows it to get worse, and parts for aging vehicles are often difficult to locate.<\/p>\n \u201cIf buying a new car isn\u2019t a priority then ensuring your current vehicle is properly maintained should be.<\/p>\n \u201cRegular maintenance is key to extending the life of your car, and will result in a better resale price at the end of the day.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is also a cost saver as regular servicing will help you pick up smaller repairs early enough to prevent more serious and costly faults occurring further down the line.<\/p>\n \u201cMost importantly it ensures that your car is roadworthy.<\/p>\n \u201cRoadworthiness and road safety need to be priorities for all South Africans as we aim to reduce deaths on our roads,\u201d said Ranft.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Ashley Kiley (Journalist)\u00a0ashleyk@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Also follow us on:<\/p>\n
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